Courier View Pikes Peak
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Teller County, Colorado • Volume 52, Issue 51
December 18, 2013
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
pikespeakcourier.net
Courier reloaded, relaunched as Pikes Peak Courier.Net Dear Courier Reader, I am pleased to announce the next time you log on to read your local news, things will look a bit different, and we think better. The Colorado Community Media team, the joint venture that publishes the Pikes Peak Courier and 23 other community newspapers and web news sites, has been working hard to bring you an easier-to-navigate website with richer content in 2014. Some of the most visited pages are those for celebrations, announcements and memorials. The new site will rotate announcements right on the home page, making them easier to read and navigate. The redesign also allows for more headlines to display on the homepage, making
your community news more accessible and your reading experience more enjoyable, fulfilling and informative. Please send us your family milestones so we can share them with the community and on our website. Short notices are free. For a small fee, you can add photos and lots more copy. You’ll notice both the printed newspaper flag and the website’s header have been updated to reflect the new web address. We did this to show consistency throughout the Colorado Community Media suite of newspapers and media sites while still reflecting our commitment to each individual community’s news by customizing each flag and header with a community-specific icon.
You can easily shop advertising on our new website. We make it easy to find local deals, services and more. By supporting businesses that advertise with us, you are indirectly supporting the Pikes Peak Courier too. Go to Pikes Peak Courier.net and click the “Local Print Ads” link or “ShopLocalColorado” link to get started. All of our content is now loaded on the website. Now it is your choice as to how to read the Pikes Peak Courier. Print, on your computer, phone or tablet. All the same great information, no matter the method. Plus, we upload all of print ads online too. After all, that is information too and this is an added value for our advertisers. Look for local ads next to every Story Page you
read. I hope you enjoy your online experience with us and find the new layout and information helpful and engaging. Community newspapers like ours continue to thrive both online and in print because we cover the news that is closest and most meaningful to home. We are proud of the news and events we are able to deliver to you each week and of the support our readers continue to show our community through your patronage of advertisers, their services and events that help to make our local communities healthy and strong. Here’s to a prosperous 2014! Jerry Healey Publisher
Bus may run on Front Range By Pat Hill
phill@ourcoloradonews.com
After two years of anticipation, Andrew Wommack welcomed Mayor Dave Turley, city officials and dozens of business leaders in a reception to introduce The Sanctuary, which includes Charis Bible College and a 2,500-seat auditorium in Phase II. A nonprofit organization, Andrew Wommack Ministries closed the school in Colorado Springs and built a new campus on part of the 157-acre plot purchased for $4 million from Eddie and Carol Sturman. The property includes the Littlestar Lodge. However, the organization with keep its offices in Colorado Springs. In an introduction, Wommack said that he and his wife Jamie have lived in Teller County for 30 years, first in Woodland Park and now Florissant. Focusing in on his audience, Wommack addressed the religious aspect as well as The 2,500-seat auditorium at The Sanctuary in Woodland Park is distinguished by the exposed timber beam trusses. the business side of the organization. With annual revenue of $40 million, in The building is part of Phase II of the building plans for Andrew Wommack Ministries. The first classes are scheduled the past 11 years the ministry has grown to begin Jan.6. from 30 to 270 employees, and 20,000 partners throughout the United States. POSTAL ADDRESS “I am not a business man; I am a preacher,” Wommack said. “There are about 1,800 preachers who drop out of the ministry Printed on recycled because they don’t know how to manage newsprint. Please finances.” recycle this copy. To fill in the gaps Wommack hired a finance management team to handle the accounting and legal aspects of running a large international organization.
A proposal by the Colorado Department of Transportation would establish the first bus route along the Front Range and the I-70 Mountain Corridor. “They have just announced a CDOT Interregional Express,” said Teller County commissioner Norm Steen at the commissioners’ meeting Dec. 12. “The initial phases will have buses running from Colorado Springs to Denver at Union Station. And then west to Glenwood Springs.” Eventually, the express may make a connection through local buses such as Ramblin’ Express in Teller County. “They’re trying to make the cost onehalf of what it costs to drive,” Steen said. “It costs about $9 to $12 to drive to Denver from the Springs one way.” The buses will be equipped with WiFi, flip-down tables and restrooms. The goal is to establish bus service along both corridors in late 2014. On another transportation issue, Steen reported that the completion date for the $95 million I-25/Cimarron interchange project had been moved up to July 1, 2017. “There are only two main accesses to Teller County, so this is very good news.” In breaking news, Sheryl Decker, county administrator, announced the recipients of the Limited Gaming Impact Fund, administered by the Department of Local Affairs. County recipients are: • 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office, $228,535 • Teller County Jail operations, $318,560 • Teller County patrol operations, $222,740 • Community of Caring, $198,250 • Court Appointed Special Advocate, $68,644 • Teller County Peak Vista Community Health Center, $57,506 • Prospect Home Care & Hospice, $60,000 • Teller County CASA advocate services, $5,379. “I’d like to thank Clay Brown (DOLA regional manager) and Sheryl Decker for working on the details that cropped up during the process,” said commission chair Dave Paul.
Reception continues on Page 14
Bus continues on Page 14
The view from the auditorium at Andrew Wommack Ministries is part of the serene ambience at The Sanctuary. Photos by Pat Hill
Wommack hosts reception By Pat Hill
phill@ourcoloradonews.com